Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties, Part 84

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, The Goodspeed publishing co.
Number of Pages: 820

USA > Nebraska > Adams County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 84
USA > Nebraska > Clay County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 84
USA > Nebraska > Hall County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 84
USA > Nebraska > Hamilton County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 84

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soon after moved to Hancock County, Ill. After remaining there for about a year he returned to Davis County and followed farming and stock rais- ing up to 1873, after which he moved to Jefferson County, Neb. In April, 1875, he arrived in Clay County, Neb., and homesteaded a farm of eighty acres where he now resides. He now owns 160 acres, nearly all of which is fenced, and on his farm are fair buildings of all kinds. He has had a liberal share of the misfortunes that have befallen the early settlers of Nebraska, such as prairie fires, grasshoppers, hot winds and hail storms. He was married in Davis County, Iowa, January 3, 1869, to Miss Martha J. Hall, a native of Virginia, reared and educated in Davis County, Iowa. She is a daughter of George B. Hall, now deceased, and by Mr. Phelps is the mother of five children: Guy O., Ross W., Clema, Louis and Ray. Mr. Phelps is a member of the G. A. R., Edgar Post No. 16.

Hugh E. Potter. Although this gentleman has only resided in Clay County, Neb., since April, 1886, he enjoys the reputation of being not only a substantial and progressive farmer and stock-raiser, but an intelligent and well posted man on all pub- lic matters. He is a native of Illinois, his birth occurring in McHenry County on April 13, 1857. a son of Simeon Potter. His youthful days and early manhood were spent there, and he ob- tained a good practical education in the common schools. In the month of April, 1886, he deter- mined to seek a home for himself on the fertile prairies of Nebraska, and came almost immediately to Clay County and purchased his present admir- able farm, consisting of 240 acres, which he has since been successfully engaged in tilling. Mr. Potter has always supported the men and measures of the Republican party, and socially is a member in good standing of the A. O. U. W. His marriage with Miss Martha L. Dodge was consummated on February 11, 1880, she being a native of Johnson, Vt., and their union has been blessed in the birth of two children: Dollie M. and Mollie S.

Hon. M. S. Price, supervisor of Lewis Town- ship, Clay County. New York has given to Linn Township many estimable citizens, but it has con-

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tributed none more highly respected, or, for con- scientious discharge of duty in every relation of life, more worthy of respect and esteem, than the subject of this sketch. Hon. M. S. Price was born in Cortland County, N. Y., in 1834, and secured ' a fair education in the district schools. He then embarked in the lumbering business in Cattarau- gus County, and was there married to Miss Ellen J. Lyon, a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y. The March after his marriage he went to Stephen- son County, Ill., settled near Freeport, and there tilled the soil for eleven years, residing there dur- ing the war. In 1872 he emigrated to Nebraska, and in the spring of the following year moved his family there. He homesteaded the eighty acres where his house now stands in the fall of 1872, and purchased some of his other tracts of land. In 1879 he was elected to the Legislature as a " floater" from Clay and Fillmore Counties, and served one term of two years. He has since been on his farm, and has filled the office of supervisor two terms, holding his second term at the present time. He is a representative citizen, and one who holds the respect and esteem of all. He is now the owner of 320 acres of land, is quite a stockman, and feeds about fifty head of cattle annually. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. To his mar- riage were born the following children: Ethel W., Jessie N. (wife of A. Weir) and Sterling M. The Price family were originally from England, two brothers having immigrated to this country at an early date, one settling in New York and the other drifting westward, where Gen. Price's family orig- inally came from. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a native of New York, and the latter's parents, John and Mary (Wiley) Price. were also natives of the Empire State, both of Oswego Coun- ty, the father born on January 18, 1790, and the mother born on May 30, 1789. They were the parents of ten children, nine of whom grew to maturity. The mother died in July, 1850, and the father in 1866.

Charles M. Prickett, real-estate, loan and insur- ance agent, Fairfield, Neb. The magnitude of the real estate interests in this city and the inces. sant activity in the market have enlisted the serv-

ices of many of our most responsible men, and among the number is Charles M. Prickett. He was born in McHenry County, Ill., on May 22, 1851, and is the son of Henry and Charlotte (Lusty) Prickett, natives of England. Charles M. was educated at the Illinois Industrial University (now Illinois University), of Champaign, where he completed a three-years' course in civil engineer- ing. He then taught school a year, after which he followed his profession in Iowa and Dakota, making railroad surveys and government surveys of lands, at which he continued until the fall of 1885, when he came to Fairfield. He soon after engaged in his present business, in which he has met with very good success. On October 20, 1886, Miss Nellie C. Ladd, a native of McHenry County, Ill. , became his wife, and to them has been born one child, a daughter, Bernice M. Mr. Prickett is a Democrat in politics, but belongs to the conservative class. He is one of the prominent men of the county and at present holds the office of city civil engineer of Fairfield.

Rev. Thomas Pugh is a retired minister of the Congregational Church, and is now residing at Fairfield, Neb. He was born in the south of Wales on December 9, 1813, and is the eldest son of John and Winifred (Davis) Pugh, both natives of South Wales. The paternal grandparents were John and Winifred (Hughes) Pugh. John Pugh, the father of our subject, learned the iron manu- facturer's trade in his youth and rose to the posi- tion of superintendent of the iron mills at Aber- nant. in Aberdore, Wales, these mills having been erected in 1823. He was married when about twen- ty-five years of age, and his union resulted in the birth of six children: Mrs. Rachel Evans, Thomas (the subject of this sketch), Mrs. Margaret Thomas, Mrs. Ruth Williams (a resident of Hyde Park, Pa.), Henry (who died in Wales about 1855) and Mrs. Ann Thomas (who died in 1888 near Cleve- : land, Ohio). The father of these children was a deacon in the Congregational Church in Wales and died about 1853, his wife passing to her long home in 1828. Thomas Pugh was educated in his na- tive land and after learning the iron manufact- urer's trade he began doing for himself when about

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twenty three years of age. On October 10, 1836, he was married to Miss Mary Williams, a daughter of Thomas and Joan Williams, the former of whom was also an iron manufacturer of Wales. To this union a family of eight children were born; six of the children died young- two daughters are still living: Mrs. Winifred Jenkins (of Fairfield, Neb.) and Mrs. Ann Davis (of Denver, Colo.). At the age of eighteen years, Thomas Pugh began his theological studies while working at his trade, was ordained in 1841, and in 1842 came to the United States and settled in Eastern Pennsylvania, where he acted as pastor of a Welsh congregation for over three years. In the latter part of 1844, he removed to Pittsburgh, Pa., and there like Paul of old, made tents and preached the gospel, for he devoted some of his time to his trade as well as to saving souls. In 1852 he removed to Iron- ton, Lawrence County, Ohio, where he organized and had charge of a Congregational Church until 1858, at which time he returned to his native land, and there remained until 1862. While there he recognized the great need of schools for the educa- tion of the young, and through his efforts, he being aided by means by the superintendent of the iron mills, he was enabled to erect an educational insti- tution in his native town, which has ever since been iu a flourishing condition. and a great blessing to the rising generations thereabouts. In 1862 he came back to America and again settled in Eastern Pennsylvania, taking charge of two Welsh Congre- gational Churches in the Lehigh Valley, but in 1868 removed to Macon County, Mo., remaining there until 1870, when he settled in Dodge County, Neb. After a two-years' residence there he came to Clay County, and organized and took charge of the First Congregational Church at Fairfield, and after filling the pulpit for six years he retired on ac- count of his advanced years, much to the regret of every member of his charge. During his minis- terial labors he was identified with almost all church and Sunday-school work, and by example as well as precept instilled into the minds of his followers the true beauties of a Christian life. He has lived an active and useful life and is now en- joying a hale old age. A short time since the

fiftieth anniversary of his marriage was celebrated. at which time he and his venerable wife received many tokens of love and esteem from their num- erous acquaintances and friends. He is high in his praise of Nebraska as a home, both for busi ness enterprises and social surroundings.

Erwin Ramsey, merchant, Inland, Neb. Aside from the general mercantile business, of which he makes a success, Mr. Ramsey is also engaged in farming and stock raising, and his residence, barns, outbuildings, etc., on his fine farm, two miles east of Inland, indicate the quality of farmer that he is. He was born in Franklin County, Pa., in 1852, and his parents, William and Eliza (McConnell) Ram- sey, are natives of the same State, born in Frank- lin and Juniata Counties. The father's birth oc- curred in 1813, and he followed mercantile pur- suits the principal part of his life. He emigrated to Illinois in 1877, located in Fountain Green, Hancock Connty, and after a residence of one year there moved, with his family, to Clay County, Neb., and settled in Inland Township, where he bought land in 1878. His death occurred in November of the same year. The mother is still living at In- land with her son, Erwin. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the father be- longed to the Presbyterian Church. He was a Re- publican, took an active interest in political affairs, and was a man possessed of more than ordinary business qualifications. They had eight children: Erwin, William, Jennie, Robert, James, Mardie, Anna and Lila. All the children are living ex- cept Robert, who died at the age of two years, of membraneous croup. They reside at Inland, ex- cept one sister in Kansas and one sister and a brother in Loup County, Neb. The early life of Mr. Ramsey was spent in Pennsylvania, where he attended the graded schools. At the age of eight- een he went west, located in Wichita, Kas., where he remained one and a half years, returned to Iowa and Illinois, where he lived one year, but on account of ill health went back to Pennsylvania, where he commenced teaching school, and taught one winter, returning to Illinois in the spring and attended Carthage College, and later on took a course in Rush Medical College, Chicago. He

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HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

emigrated to Nebraska in 1878, located at Inland, and bought eighty acres of railroad land, which he bas since increased to 160 acres, and also owns a quarter-section in Loup County and some town property in Inland. He employed himself in teaching and farming until two years ago, when he bought out the firm of McDowell & Blair, dealers in general merchandise. He was a member of the school board for several years, served as assessor for three terms, and was appointed enumerator to take the national census in 1880. He was mar- ried in 1883 to Miss Olive Campbell, daughter of William and Julia Campbell, of Adams County, Neb. His wife had been a teacher for several years. To them were born four children: Mervie, Linnie (who died in 1889), Walker and William (twins, one of whom died in 1889). In politics Mr. Ramsey affiliates with the Republican party, and takes an active interest in political affairs. He is largely engaged in raising stock, and makes a specialty of Poland China and Jersey Red hogs. He is a member of the K. of P. Lodge No. 83, Harvard, Clay County, Neb., and is a man who has acquired his property by his industry and good business ability, and enjoys the confidence of his fellow-men.

Hon. William S. Randall, the very efficient editor and manager of the Fairfield News, was born in Trumbull County. Ohio, September 4, 1840, being a son of Amos S. and Mary A. (Gal- lagher) Randall, who were horn in Ohio and Penn- sylvania, respectively. The father removed to Iowa in 1851, and settled in Washington County, and here his son, William S., was reared to man- hood as a farmer, receiving bis education in the district schools near his father's home. He was energetically engaged in farm work when the threatening war cloud burst in all its fury, and in August, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Eighth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and as a private soldier served "Uncle Sam" faithfully until May, 1866. In the spring of 1873 be came to Clay County, Neb., and took up a homestead claim in Marshall Township. and here made his home until February, 1877, when he moved to Sutton, having been elected to the position of

county treasurer the previous fall. He dis- charged the duties of this position in a highly efficient manner until 1880 by re-election, and in the spring of the latter year removed to Fair- field and embarked in the agricultural implement business, becoming, in February, 1886, manager of the Fairfield News, and has edited and conducted the paper successfully up to the present time. The paper is well established and is considered a representative journal of the State, being edited in behalf of the Republican party, of which Mr. Randall has always been a stanch member. In the month of November, 1886, he was elected by the Republicans of the district to the Nebraska Legislature, and served in the Twentieth General Assembly of that body with honor and distinction. He was on the soldier's home committee, the com- mittee for constitutional amendments, taxation and banks, besides many others of importance, the most noticeable of which was to select from the files the most meritorious bills and recommend them for passage, the committee convening toward the last of the session, he being chairman of the same. In 1890 he was appointed by President Harrison as supervisor of the census for the First census district of Nebraska. March 31, 1864, he was married to Miss Mary C. Boden, a native of Morgan County, Ohio, and by her is the father of four children: Maie L., Edgar S., Frank W. and Laura Pearl. Mr. Randall is a prominent mem- ber of the G. A. R., and has been commander of George C. Oliver Post No. 43; was senior vice- commander of the department of Nebraska in 1887, and was also first commander of George C. Meade Post of Sutton. He is a Mason, and is now serving his fourth term as worshipful master; a member of the A. O. U. W., and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

J. Ray, farmer and stock raiser, Fairfield, Neb. Mr. Ray is a practical, go-ahead farmer, and fully appreciates the comforts of a competence gained By individual efforts. He was born in Mublenburg County, Ky., in 1828, and his father died before he was born, while his mother died during the first year of his birth. He was taken and reared by James Hammett, of Lacon, Marshall County, Ill.,

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and received a fair education in that State. He began life for himself at the age of twenty-one years, as a farmer, and was married in 1849 to Miss E. B. Mclaughlin, the daughter of H. A. and Mary (Hammett) Mclaughlin. This union resulted in the birth of one child, Mrs. Clara Gates (of Jew- ell County, Kas.). Mr. Ray lost his first wife in 1854, and in 1855 was married the second time to Mrs. Ann Ridgway, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Prosser) James, natives of Wales. Five children were born to this union: Mrs. Elizabeth Plowman (of Iowa), W. E. (of Montgomery County, Iowa), R. J. (in Colorado), Otis and Oscar. Mr. Ray left Illinois in 1872, settled on a farm in Mont . gomery County, Iowa, and there tilled the soil un- til 1878, when he came to his present home in Clay County, Neb. He there bought raw prairie land, began improving it and erected good buildings, outhouses, etc., on the same. He has been very successful as a fruit-grower, and has an abundance of apples, peaches, etc., for home use. He is a ; member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is trustee of the church he attends. In politics he is a Democrat, and as a citizen has the respect and esteem of all. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance.

William P. Rhodes, farmer and stock raiser, Spring Ranche, Neb. Not without justice, Will. iam P. Rhodes is conceded to hold a representative position among the prominent and successful tillers of the soil in Clay County, and is a man of judgment and sound common sense. He owes his nativity to Greene County, Mo., where he was born in 1854, and is the third child born to the union of William J. and Sarah M. (Cowden) Rhodes. The father was born in McLean County, Ill., in 1825, and received a good practical education in the schools of his native county. He is a farmer by occupation, a Prohibitionist in his political views, and is a member of the Christian Church. William P. Rhodes was reared in McLean County, Ill., re- ceived a good education in the common schools and began life for himself at the age of twenty-one as a farmer. He came direct from Illinois to Adams County, Neb., in 1877, purchased a farm two miles southeast of Hastings, and there remained until

the spring of 1885, when he sold out and bought his present farm. This he has greatly improved in the way of buildings, etc., has added eighty acres and has the whole farm under fence. He has been successful since coming to Nebraska, and is satisfied to make this State his home. He is quite a stockman, and is engaged in breeding Hamble- tonian and Clyde and Clydesdale horses, and also Poland-China hogs. He votes the Republican ticket, and is a man esteemed and respected by all acquainted with him. He is a member of the Farm- ers' Alliance, and takes an interest in the np- building of schools, churches, and in fact all that pertains to the benefit of the community in which he lives.

James Richard, blacksmith, Harvard, Neb. This worthy citizen of Harvard is another of the many prominent residents of the county who owe their nativity to a foreign country. Mr. Richard was born in Scotland, July 10, 1847, and is the son of George and Catherine (Mather) Richard, the latter of whom still resides in Scotland. The father died there in April, 1885. They were the parents of fourteen children, eight of whom were sons. Three sons came to America. James Rich- ard came to the United States in 1873, and after some time spent at Paterson, N. J., he went to Port Henry, N. Y., where he spent a year and a half. About 1878 he emigrated west and located at Harvard. He had learned the blacksmithing business in his native country and has followed it ever since. He is now in partnership with his brother, John, the firm name being Richard Bros. Mr. Richard was married in White Hall, N. Y., to Miss Mary E. Coutts, by whom he has four children: James, George, Catherine and Andrew. Mr. Richard is a member of the Masonic frater- nity, Harvard Lodge. Jolin Richard, the junior member of the firm of Richard Bros., was born in Scotland, April 9, 1857, and there learned the trade of wagon-maker. In 1879 he came to America, and in 1880 located at Harvard, Neb., where he formed a partnership with his brother James. They have since conducted a first-class blacksmith shop at that place and are enterprising business men. In 1885 he returned to Scotland, and was there married to

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Miss Ellen Taylor, who returned with him to the United States, and who has borne him two chil- dren: George and Isabella. Mr. and Mrs. Rich- ard are members of the Congregational Church and are much respected citizens. Mr. Richard is a member of the M. W. A., and in politics is Democratic.

O. J. Riley, a prominent grocer of Harvard, Neb., and a substantial and influential citizen of that place, was born in Bradford County, Pa., April 29, 1844, being a son of Joseph and Jane (Dodge) Riley, the former a native of New Eng- land, and the latter of Bradford Connty, Pa. Joseph Riley was a son of Maj. Riley, of Connect- ient, and Mrs. Riley was a daughter of Loren Dodge. To Mr. and Mrs. Riley a family of six children were born, of whom James O. was the second, five of the family being now alive. The father, who was a carpenter by trade, died in Oc- tober, 1883, his wife dying in the month of Janu- ary, 1887. When the subject of this sketch was eight years old his parents removed to Corning, Steuben County, N. Y., where his youth was spent. He learned the carpenter's trade under his father, and followed this calling for a number of years. At the age of seventeen he went to Tioga, Pa., from which place, about one year later, or in Au gust, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Forty -fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, remaining with this com- pany until the close of the war, participating in the battles of Hilton Head, Fredericksburg, South Mountain and Antietam, the siege and capture of Vicksburg, Petersburg and Jackson, in all of which he discharged his duties in a very creditable man- ner. From the war he returned to Tioga, Pa., but shortly after removed to Hornellsville, N. Y., where he resided two years, employed in the repair shops of the New York & Erie Railroad. In 1868 he removed to Afton, Iowa, but after conducting a meat market there for one year he returned to York State and learned the painter's trade while a resident of Wellsville. In 1872 he again came West, and this time settled in the State of Ne- braska, residing one year in Lincoln, a short time in Harvard, and then took up a homestead claim fourteen miles northwest of Harvard, in

Hamilton County, where he resided seven years, giving his attention to farming. Upon returning to Harvard, in 1881, he engaged in the grocery business, which occupation has since received his attention. His establishment is one of the lead- ing groceries of the place, and he commands a large share of public favor. He was married in Tioga County, Pa., August 16, 1860, to Miss Mag- gie L. Keeney, a daughter of Jesse and Sophronia M. (McArthur) Keeney, the former a native of Schenectady County, N. Y., born June 17, 1807, and the latter born in Vermont, September 21, 1811. The father of Mrs. Riley was the son of Thomas and Anna (Parshall) Keeney, and the mother was a danghter of Alexander and Rebecca (Wares) McArthur. Her parents were married in 1830, and had ten children, of whom she was the sixth, nine being now alive. The father died April 17, 1879, but the mother is still living, her home being in Mason City, Custer County, Neb. Mr. Riley is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the 32º, and he is also a member of the G. A. R., the K. of P. and the A. O. U. W., being also a member of the Select Knights in the last named order. He has always been a stanch member of the Republican party, is an honorable, upright man, and is one of Clay County's very best citizens. He possesses an ex- tensive acquaintance, and by all who know him he is highly esteemed and respected.

John C. Ringer, farmer and stock-raiser, Lone Tree Township. Mr. Ringer was born in Darke County, Ohio, February 10, 1851, a son of John and Mary (Hendricks) Ringer, natives of Pennsyl- vania and Ohio, respectively. His parents moved to McDonough County, Ill., when he was but five years of age, and here he grew to manhood and received a common- school education. He remained in Illinois until his twenty-third year, when he moved to the county of his birth, in Ohio, and re- mained there for five years. In the fall of 1879 he started for Crawford County, Iowa, getting there September 16, when he purchased eighty acres of land and followed his chosen occupation of farm- ing. In 1884 he moved to this county. where he has ever since remained. In 1887 he purchased

CLAY COUNTY.

100 acres of land in Section 17, and has carried on farming, meeting with varied success, ever since, He was married, February 16, 1873, to Josephine, daughter of Peter and Susannah (Crower) Michael, natives of Ohio, born July 19, 1852, in Darke County, Ohio. They are the parents of three chil- dren, namely: Elmer (born February 18, 1874), Ross (born January 22, 1879), and Roy (born May 16, 1884). Mr. Ringer has been a life-long D m- ocrat, but is now an Anti-Monopolist. He is a member of the Lone Tree Alliance, also of the County Alliance, of which he is door- keeper, and is assisting in the great move being made by the farmers in ridding themselves of the moneyed yoke that has kept them so long in the rear. He is a representative citizen, is industrions, and is get- ting a start toward laying up a comfortable com- petency to secure his comfort in old age.

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Author: Goodspeed Brothers Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago, The Goodspeed publishing co. Number of Pages: 820

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, The Goodspeed publishing co.
Number of Pages: 820